Gun Permits

Handgun Purchase Permits

Contact: 919-560-0905

All gun owners should learn the laws regulating the use of firearms. Local regulations differ and laws can vary from state to state. Gun owners must check with the jurisdiction where the gun is to be used. Permits to buy handguns in North Carolina must be obtained from the Sheriff in the County that you reside.

Application Process

A handgun purchase permit can be obtained online or by visiting the Sheriff's Office Records Division.

Concealed Handgun Permits

Contact: 919-560-0859 or 919-560-7093

The Records Division of the Sheriff's Office is required to follow strict federal guidelines when conducting the mandated background checks for all concealed handgun permits. The application process, which includes scheduling an appointment can take multiple weeks as staff members thoroughly examine each application.

Application Process

All applicants are required to schedule an appointment for new concealed handgun permits or renewals. All required fees are due at the time you reserve your appointment.

In accordance with NCGS 14-415.13(a), Concealed Handgun Permits MUST be obtained from the Sheriff of your County of Residence.

If you are RENEWING a Concealed Handgun Permit, you MUST apply prior to your expiration date, but no more than 90 days prior to the expiration date.

If your permit has EXPIRED, but it has been LESS than 60 days since the permit expired, you will be required to apply as a NEW APPLICANT, be fingerprinted, and pay the $90.00 fee, but you will not be required to submit a new training certificate.

If more than 60 days has passed since your permit EXPIRED, you must retake the Concealed Handgun Training Course, apply as a new applicant, and submit the new training certificate with the application.

Appointments

FAQs

How do I obtain a concealed handgun permit application?

Concealed handgun permit applications are available online at Permitium.com, or in person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Renewal applications are also available online at Permitium.com, or in person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How much does a new concealed handgun permit cost?

$90 cash

How much does it cost to renew a concealed handgun permit?

$85 cash

How much does a duplicate concealed handgun permit cost?

$15 cash

Why does it cost so much to obtain a concealed handgun permit?

Licensing fees are mandated by the State of North Carolina. An explanation of the fees can be found here, under section '14-415-10.

What documents do I need to apply for a concealed handgun permit?

North Carolina driver's license or ID card (a North Carolina driver's license or ID card is not required for active duty military personnel); original certificate showing completion of an approved firearms safety course; completed application packet; Veterans Affairs medical release form (if applicable); original DD-214 (if applicable); signed 'Do's and Don'ts of Carrying a Concealed Handgun'; and Citizenship Form & Naturalizations papers if not born in the U.S.; and a copy of military PCS orders (if applicable, this is only required for active duty personnel that are residing in Durham County due to a military assignment but are legal residents of another state or county).

How long does it usually take for my concealed handgun permit to be issued?

Forty-five to 90 days after all of the required paperwork is received by the Sheriff's Office. A representative from the Sheriff's Office will contact you when the concealed handgun permit is ready for pick up.

Why does it take so long to issue a concealed handgun permit?

The application process is typically slowed down by the acquisition of medical records. Once all of the required medical information is received by the Sheriff's Office, the rest of the approval process is started.

How long is a concealed handgun permit valid for?

Five years from the date of issuance.

Do I need to be a resident of North Carolina to obtain a concealed handgun permit?

Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen and have been a resident of North Carolina for 30 days or longer before applying for a concealed handgun permit. Exemptions for active duty military personnel apply.

Are military personnel exempt from residency requirements?

Yes. However, the Sheriff's Office does require active duty personnel to present a copy of their PCS orders to North Carolina and proof of address (such as a utility bill) in Durham County when applying for a concealed handgun permit.

I have a valid concealed handgun permit from another county in North Carolina and have moved to Durham County. What do I need to do?

Begin by updating your driver's license to reflect your new address. Then notify the sheriff's office in your previous county of residence about your address change. Finally, come to the Durham County Sheriff's Office Records Division to update your file and pay the $15 duplicate concealed handgun permit fee. It typically takes two weeks to receive the new concealed handgun permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A representative from the Sheriff's Office will contact you when the new permit is ready for pick up.

I have a valid concealed handgun permit issued in another state and have moved to Durham County. What do I need to do?

North Carolina and Durham County recognize valid concealed handgun permits from all 50 states. Please check with your state to ensure your CCW will still be valid under their laws after you move to North Carolina or change your legal residence In any event, 90 days prior to the expiration of your out-of-state concealed handgun permit, you must complete an approved North Carolina firearms safety course. After completing the course you may apply for a new North Carolina concealed handgun permit with the Durham County Sheriff's Office.Your CCW address is not required to match your NC driver's unless you intend to purchase a firearm. If you intend to purchase a firearm, you will need a purchase permit. A purchase permit requires a matching address.

Does the Durham County Sheriff's Office have a list of approved firearms safety courses?

The Sheriff's Office does not sponsor or endorse any particular firearms safety course. However, approved courses must be certified or sponsored by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Most local gun dealers and pawn shops have a list of instructors. The Sheriff's Office does not accept online firearms safety courses.

Where am I allowed to carry a concealed weapon?

Please refer to North Carolina General Statute '14-415.10 for an in-depth explanation of where carrying a concealed weapon is not permitted.

I recently moved, but still reside in Durham County. What do I need to do?

Begin by updating your driver's license to reflect your new address. After doing so, come to the Sheriff's Office Records Division to update the address on your concealed handgun permit and pay the $15 cash fee for a duplicate concealed handgun permit. It typically takes two weeks for the Sheriff's Office to receive the new permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A representative from the Sheriff's Office will contact you when the new permit is ready for pick up.

My concealed handgun permit was lost, stolen or destroyed. What do I need to do?

You may obtain a duplicate permit by submitting to the Sheriff's Office a notarized statement that the permit was lost, stolen or destroyed and paying the required $15 duplicate permit fee.

Will the Sheriff's Office notify me when my concealed handgun permit is ready for pick up?

Yes.

My legal name is now different than the one on my concealed handgun permit. What do I need to do?

Begin by updating your driver's license to reflect your new name. After doing so, come to the Sheriff's Office Records Division to update the name on your concealed handgun permit and pay the $15 cash fee for a duplicate concealed handgun permit. Please bring a marriage license or other official document related to your name change for verification. It typically takes two weeks for the Sheriff's Office to receive the new permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A representative from the Sheriff's Office will contact you when the new permit is ready for pick up.

Is my Durham County concealed handgun permit valid in other counties of North Carolina?

Yes, a Durham County concealed handgun permit authorizes you to carry a concealed weapon anywhere in North Carolina, when permitted by law.

Is my Durham County concealed handgun permit valid in other states?

Most states honor a concealed handgun permit issued in North Carolina. However, it's best to research and confirm a reciprocal agreement is in place before traveling out of state with a concealed weapon. Effective December 1, 2011, North Carolina automatically recognizes concealed handgun permits issued in any of the 50 states.